NSW Opposition back new convention and entertainment centre for Sydney

The NSW Liberals and Nationals have backed an independent panel's plans for a new world-class convention, entertainment and concert facility at Sydney's Darling Harbour.

It follows the NSW Liberals & Nationals commissioning in March 2010 a pre-feasibility study into a new convention centre.

A final review following industry consultation by an expert panel has recommended:

• A new world class convention centre be built at Darling Harbour to enable NSW to compete for lucrative international business events;
• At least one new premium hotel should be part of the project;
• The outdated Sydney Entertainment Centre should be replaced with a new multi-function facility with a capacity of at least 10,000 people for concerts and other entertainment; and,
• The project should be delivered under a Public Private Partnership (PPP) model â like the successful Melbourne Convention Centre.

Announcing their support for the plan NSW Opposition Leader Barry O'Farrell stated "Sydney has dropped the ball in attracting major events since the 2000 Olympics and it's time to make NSW number one again.

"Sydney's existing convention and exhibition facilities are ageing and tired and cannot compete with state of the art centres in the Asia Pacific region, and we need to make NSW number one again.

"This new report has found NSW loses up to 220 business events each year â which cost the economy up to $65 million â because Sydney's facilities are so outdated.

"NSW must increase its stock of 4 and 5 star hotel accommodation to increase our share of high powered and high profile business events.

"We need a real change to the tourism and convention products Sydney can offer, and that's why at least one new hotel is recommended as part of this rejuvenation package."

O'Farrell also announced plans for Sydney to bid for the IMF-World Bank meeting in Sydney in 2015.

"This meeting is regarded worldwide as the Olympics of the finance industry," he added, "it will put us on the map as a world finance centre and the benefits will continue to flow to NSW for years to come."

Shadow Minister for Hospitality, Tourism and Major Events George Souris said the IMF-World Bank meeting attracted up to 13,000 high level financial leaders and NSW has a golden opportunity to bring it to Sydney.

"Bids for the IMF convention had to be made through the Federal Government but the incompetent State Labor Government in NSW had failed to show any interest in this, or other major events since the 2000 Olympics.

"We will be making it clear to the Federal Treasurer that Sydney not only wants this event, but we are ready to put together a compelling bid document to bring it here.

"After 16 years of Labor it's time to bring Sydney's convention, hotel and entertainment facilities into the 21st century.

"Experts in the industry have helped guide and refine our approach, and I look forward to working further with them if we are successful at the March State Election to realise these plans to make NSW number one again."

A full copy of the independent panel report can be downloaded at www.infrastructure.org.au/Content/ConventionCentreAReporttotheNSWOpposition.aspx  

Image: The Sydney Convention Centre.

27th August 2010 - BUSINESS GROUP CALLS FOR THE DEMOLITION OF THE SEC 

27th August 2009 - SYDNEY ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE GETS DOWN TO BUSINESS

3rd August 2009 - DONAGHY RE-ELECTED TO WORLD CONGRESS BODY 

18th March 2008 - DISNEY CONSIDERS SYDNEY DEVELOPMENT

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